Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon

Chapter 122

Cordelia sat slumped at her desk, now changed into her cozy pajamas. Elbows planted firmly on the wood, she cradled her smartphone in her hands, awaiting a reply from the members of her social group chat.

Since yesterday, the question had been gnawing at her, who exactly was Everard? Even Sanderson, the guy who knew everyone in town, didn’t recognize the name. Could it be that Everard was a ghost, a figment of her Imagination?

This morning’s chat in the Pioneers Group sparked a realization, the group was a melting pot of professionals from various fields. Surely someone might know him, right?

But after she posted her question, the chat fell eerily silent.

After a torturous two–minute wait, a reply finally popped up.

Bland asked, [Lia, are you pulling our leg? How could you not know him?]

Cordelia blinked, her instincts telling her that Bland knew Everard. She typed back hastily, [Who is he?]

Silence fell over the group once again.

Just as she was about to probe further, another message came through.

Nolnterruptions said, [Never heard of him.]

Like an icebreaker, the message prompted a flurry of responses.

Pianoman said, [Nope, doesn’t ring a bell.]

Mathster replied, [A mystery to me.]

Painter said, [Who?]

Chef replied, [Not a clue.]

Others all replied, [No idea.]

Everyone chimed in except Louie Adams. Cordelia’s brow furrowed as she read the stream of ignorance, finally addressing Bland directly, [So, you’re the one who knows him, @Bland?]

Bland replied, [No, I definitely do not.]

confused, texting. [?]

been a brain fart. Got the name wrong]

was speechless,

and nobody knew

before echoing Painter’s earlier message – [If anyone digs up anything about him, I’d appreciate

opened the book “The Periodic Table” that she’d borrowed from her grandmother. The technical jargon was almost

pages with a heavy sigh.

old adage “learning never ends” couldn’t have been more true. She had thought her high school education was comprehensive and had even self–studied some college

down on her

read on until 11:30 PM when Lorna brought her a cup of milk and honey.

always open to good advice, nodded in

her alarm when a new message

are you asking about this Everard

back from Louie. She pondered for a moment before

No way. Is he in Greenmeadow?]

replied, [Yes, do

ten minutes before sending back a cryptic message: [Be careful around him

he mean by keeping her distance? They hadn’t even been in contact online.

stay away from him, my

misunderstand, thinking she was waxing poetic about love, just as Lorna and Sanderson would. But how could she explain?

could decide,

Louie understood her meaning. After a moment’s thought, she responded: [Because “Love or Die” curse. Do you

Louie went silent.

for another ten minutes, but still no message. Was there

I know. I’ll see your granddad about a treatment tomorrow, and we can

knew. He actually

him immediately, but Cordelia

typed a single word –

slipped into bed. Just as she was about to turn off the

the screen, recognizing Everard’s number. What could he want at

familiar voice, more velvety than she remembered, greeted

the nocturnal stillness, somehow more appealing. She hesitated before

his voice so soothing it seemed to